Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes Levels in Blood

Elevated Liver Enzymes Levels in Blood can indicate a health issue in the liver. The liver is a vital organ performing several important functions. These functions include filtering toxins, producing bile, regulating cholesterol and glucose levels, and more. Liver enzymes are produced by liver cells to help in various biochemical reactions. When liver damage or inflammation occurs, these enzymes leak into the bloodstream. This leakage results in an elevation of their levels in the blood.

Last week one of our regular patients visited our office for liver function tests. The results were within the normal range. However, the liver enzymes were slightly elevated. He asked for an explanation. Thus, I write this article for him to understand. I want others to also understand what elevated levels of liver enzymes mean. This includes why they are elevated, symptoms, and possible treatments.

What are Liver Enzymes?

Liver enzymes are proteins produced by the liver cells that are involved in various metabolic processes in the body. They play essential roles in metabolism, digestion, and detoxification. There are several liver enzymes. Blood tests commonly measure four enzymes. These are alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). Normally, these enzymes are found in the liver cells. However, when liver cells are damaged, the enzymes are released into the bloodstream. This release leads to elevated levels of liver enzymes in the blood. Liver cells damage can occur due to reasons as alcohol consumption, viral infections, or certain medications.

Normal Values of Liver Enzymes

The normal ranges of liver enzymes in the blood can vary depending on the laboratory that performs the test. Therefore, normal ranges can vary slightly between different laboratories. The following are generally accepted normal values:

• ALT: Up to 56 units per liter (U/L) for men and up to 40 U/L for women
• AST: Up to 48 U/L for men and up to 35 U/L for women
• ALP: 45 to 115 U/L for adults
• GGT: Up to 48 U/L for men and up to 35 U/L for women

Liver Enzyme	Men Normal value	Women normal value
Alanine transaminase (ALT)	Up to 7 to 56 U/L	Up to 40 U/L
Aspartate transaminase (AST)	Up to 48 U/L	Up to 35 U/L
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)	45 to 115 U/L for adults
Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT)	Up to 48 U/L	Up to 35 U/L

Causes of Elevated Liver Enzymes

Elevated liver enzymes can be caused by several factors, including:

1. Hepatitis:
   Viral hepatitis, as A, B, and C, can cause liver inflammation. It can also lead to damage to its cells. This results in elevated levels of the enzymes.
2. Alcoholism:
   Excessive alcohol consumption can cause also liver inflammation and elevated liver enzymes.
3. Non-Alcoholic
   – Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is characterized by the buildup of fat in liver cells. This leads to liver inflammation and damage. The release of enzymes in the blood causes their elevated levels.
   – Hemochromatosis, Wilson’s disease, and gallbladder disease.
4. Medications:
   Certain medications can cause liver cell damage and elevated liver enzymes.
5. Autoimmune Disorders:
   Autoimmune disorders, such as autoimmune hepatitis, can cause inflammation and damage to liver cells, causing elevated enzymes.

Symptoms of Elevated Liver Enzyme

Elevated liver enzymes often do not cause any symptoms on their own. And, most people with elevated liver enzymes do not have any symptoms at all. The symptoms, if ever, are due liver inflammation and its failure to carry on its functions normally.

Here are some of the symptoms of elevated enzymes levels:

1. Fatigue and weakness
2. Loss of appetite and weight loss
3. Nausea and vomiting
4. Abdominal pain and swelling
5. Jaundice, which is the yellow color of the skin and eyes
6. Dark urine and pale stools due to the presence of bile pigments
7. Itching: The exact mechanism of why itching occurs in liver disease is not fully understood. It is thought to be related to the buildup of bile acids in the bloodstream.
8. Swelling in the legs and ankles due to edema
9. Mental confusion or difficulty concentrating

Treatment of Elevated Liver Enzymes

The treatment depends on the underlying cause. For example, if the cause is hepatitis, antiviral medications can be used. If the cause is alcoholism, the person needs to stop drinking alcohol and seek help for addiction. In general, lifestyle changes as weight loss, exercise, and a healthy diet help improve liver functions.

Summary

The liver is a vital organ that performs many important functions including Liver enzyme synthesis. These enzymes are proteins that help in various body processes. When the liver is damaged, these enzymes can leak into the blood, causing elevated levels of liver enzymes. This is caused by hepatitis, alcoholism, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, medication, or autoimmune disorders. Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain or swelling, and yellowing of the skin or eyes. Treatment depends on the underlying cause.

You have to find out the underlying cause of the elevated enzymes. Do this with the help of your doctor. Then take appropriate measures to treat it. If you experience any symptoms or suspect you have elevated liver enzymes, speak with your doctor. Taking care of your liver is essential for overall health and well-being. If you experience symptoms like jaundice, fatigue, or abdominal pain, it’s time to get tested.